LILY POV

We were sitting at lunch, Bella being the only one who actually ate anything. We had our props, but that was all they were. Props. School was crappy, as usual, and it was even worse because everyone was so stressed out with the whole vampire army thing. Jasper was freaking out because of the lack of knowledge we had, Edward was freaking out because of the danger to Bella, and Alice was well…still planning on throwing Bella a graduation party.

"You can't be serious," Bella said shaking her head. She looked like someone had just punched her in the face and called her a whore. Edward glared at me, but I didn't really care. I had gotten used to that. "You've completely lost your mind!"

Alice was smirking, and Jasper looked as if he were going to break into laughter at any moment. Honestly, I didn't know how much longer I could keep a straight face either.

"Say whatever you like about me, the party is still on."

Bella was staring at Alice, and I giggled a little. Even Edward was laughing a little at this point.

"Oh, calm down, Bella! There's no reason not to go through with it. Besides, I've already sent out the invitations."

"But…the…you…I…insane!" Bella was spazzing out. Jasper really lost it this time. He was cracking up, and even Edward started laughing a little. I couldn't help myself anymore; I started laughing a little too. Only Alice kept a hold on herself, although we all knew that she was enjoying this.

"You've already bought my present." She said, solemnly, "You don't have to do anything but show up."

Bella took a few deep breaths, then spoke, "With everything that is going on right now, a party is hardly appropriate."

"Graduation is what's going on right now, and a party is so appropriate it's almost passé."

"Alice!"

I decided to step in on Alice's behalf, I wasn't a huge fan of parties myself, but Alice needed some help, and I knew it would make her happy.

"There are a few things we need to get in order now, and that's going to take a little time. As long as we're sitting here waiting, we might as well commemorate the good stuff. You're only going to graduate from high school – for the first time- once. You don't get to be human again, Bella. This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot." I knew very well what Bella's plans were, and although Edward was glaring at me again, I had to get Bella on my side if the party thing was ever going to work. I rolled my eyes and Alice stuck her tongue out at him.

Thank you, Lily, she thought to me, and smiled.

"What few things do we need to get in order?" Bella asked, probably trying to change the subject. We all turned and looked at Jasper. This was his area of expertise.

"I think we could use some help." He stated, mater of factly, "Tanya's family isn't the only choice we have. Carlisle's trying to track down a few old friends, and I'm looking up Peter and Charlotte. There are…other options…but we don't really want to involve southerners." Jasper said, avoiding talking about Maria in front of Bella. He didn't have very good perception of what Bella could and couldn't handle, so he usually just played it safe.

"It shouldn't be too hard." I added, "Nobody wants a visit from Italy." Bella grimaced, and Edward out his arm around her.

"But these friends, they're not going to be…vegetarians, right?" Bella protested.

"No." Edward answered, speaking for the first time.

"But they're going to be here, in Forks." Bella said, a little concerned.

"They're friends," Alice reminded her, "Everything's going to be fine, don't worry. Jasper has to teach us a few courses on Newborn Elimination…" Alice trailed off, and Jasper looked uncomfortable. I don't think he liked being the center of attention. I was pretty sure I got that gene.

"When are you going?" Bella asked. We all knew what she meant.

"A week." Edward answered, again, "That ought to give us enough time."

We all looked at Bella, and she didn't look so good. I thought she was gonna puke.

"You look kind of green, Bella." Alice commented, and Edward pulled her closer against him.

"It's going to be fine, Bella, trust me." He comforted her. It really was a shame that she had to go through all of this. She didn't deserve it.

"You're looking for help…" Bella said, breaking the short silence,

"Yes…" Alice said, trying to figure out what Bella was up to.

"I could help." She said, positively. Edward hissed, and Alice rolled her eyes. I was the one who spoke this time.

"Bella, that wouldn't really be helpful." I said, trying not to give her a negative vibe.

"Why not?" She protested, "Nine is better than eight, and there's plenty of time!"

"There's not enough time to make you helpful, Bella." I shook my head, not wanting to go on, "Do you remember how Jasper described the newborns? You'd be no good in a fight. You wouldn't be able to control yourself, and you'd be an easy target. Adding to the fact Edward would get hurt trying to protect you, it isn't a good idea."

Edward leaned down next to her and whispered something in her ear, but I wasn't listening. Jasper was staring at me, and Alice was smiling. She was grateful for having me save her ass, and her party. I smiled back, but she wasn't paying attention anymore.

"Oh," She said, staring into space, "I hate last minute cancellations. So that puts the party list down to sixty-five…"

"Sixty-five!" Bella yelled. SO much for having a calm discussion…

"Who cancelled?" Edward asked, ignoring Bella.

"Renée." Alice said in disappointment. Bella looked surprised

"What?" She said, clearly confused. Jasper tried calming her down this time.

"She was going to surprise you for your graduation, but something went wrong. You'll have a message when you get home." Typical Alice; couldn't mind her own damn business. Edward smirked a little at my comment.

After a few seconds Alice got up and threw her stuff away, leaving just as the bell rang. I hung back with Jasper.

"Is she always a showoff like that?" I asked, laughing a little. Jasper and I had the next class together; unfortunately for him it was the only one without Alice.

"Yeah, but it makes her happy. She likes being the star. She's a lot like you were when you were little, Lily. Always had to be the center of attention, always had to be right…"

"Alright, smarty, I get the point. Come on; let's get to class. I'm almost on my third tardy."

"Why?" Jasper asked, looking at me funny.

"One of us has got to be the rebel." I said, smiling. He put his arm around me and we walked of to class as brother and sister. The way it should be.